trolling motor suggestion?

I am looking to upgrade to about a 71lb thrust trolling motor. any suggestion on best buy for the buck?

thanks

Last year I bought a new Motorguide 56 lb. thrust. I don't buy one of these very often so I went for the digital model. You may get some feedback that the mounting system leaves something to be desired...BELEIVE EVERY WORD. The motor and controls are fine. If I were to buy tomorrow it would be a Minnkota. I have never had one but this is my third Motorguide in 20 years and it is by far the worst.

If you are going to buy one I suggest spending the exrta $, to get a better modle. I bought one of the Minn Kota AT 65 a few years ago and it eats a sterring cable every year. I got it real cheap from cabelas but I have spent a lot of money on it since then. The first year i had it, the switch on the foot control and when my first cable broke it cut the wires in the head and i had to have my motor rewired. The only thing that saved me big money there was it was under warranty. The guy told me straight out it would have been about $250.00. I know of a lot that have had good luck out of the AT's with the exception of cables, so I may have gotten a lemon. My Dad's boat has a motor guide and it does real well. The guy I fish with has a Minn Kota Maxxum and I love it. He's had it about five years with no problems that I know of.

I have a Minnkota with autopilot and I have to tell you the autopilot is really good. They are more expensive but it really makes fishing easier especially in the wind. The only problem is the autopilot does not come with the foot control so you have to buy it separate. I don’t use my foot control allot because I am used to the remote but it is worth buying.

Maxxum Pro 80.. Lift assist and stay away from the Universal Sonar. :D

minnkota maxum 70 foot control, and I just happen to have one for sale.

[QUOTE=JUSTINHALL;319458]I have a Minnkota with autopilot and I have to tell you the autopilot is really good. They are more expensive but it really makes fishing easier especially in the wind. The only problem is the autopilot does not come with the foot control so you have to buy it separate. I don’t use my foot control allot because I am used to the remote but it is worth buying.[/QUOTE]

Justin,
When you refer to the remote are you talking about the key fab thing they have. I've often wondered how well that works.

I have always MK's. I have never really had a problem with them. I really like mine now. The foot controller is a little bulky, but pretty rugged.

Try the motorguide with PTSv tracking. I don't have it yet, but it looks cool. It looks a little more advanced than the autopilot of minkota. I'm sure more expensive too!!

[QUOTE=wkerber;319477]Justin,
When you refer to the remote are you talking about the key fab thing they have. I've often wondered how well that works.[/QUOTE]

Yes, it comes with a keyfob to operate it with. You can either wear it like a watch, hang it around you neck or clip to your pole. You can use both at the same time so if I am striper fishing I only use the remote but for bass fishing I use both. Even if you dont use the key fob the tracking works great just point it in the direction you want and it will stay there. If a wake blows you over it will correct itself or if the wind is blowing you away from or towards shore it will correct itself automatically. When fishing along banks there is no better especialy at night you spend more time fishing and less time running the trolling motor. If you need to retie or change baits you can let it go and not end up on the bank before you know it.

I have a MOtor Guide and love it. A friend has A Minnkota and wishes he had a Motor Guide. Ryan

Fortunately, I would have no idea what recommendation to make for a new trolling motor. My OMC which they no longer make has 16 years + on it, and still going strong. I bought a used one for a spare, I ran across about 6 years ago, but haven't needed it yet.

I dread the day that something happens to my OMCs, and I'm not able to find replacement parts.